2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart First Drive

Older, wiser you, meet the new 2009 Lancer Ralliart

And that's the dynamite part of the deal. All Ralliart's receive a more casual version of the Evo MR's Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift tranny (absent the boy-racer S-Sport mode though Normal and Sport modes remain) -- but otherwise it's the real paddle click-click McCoy. Taller 5th and 6th gear ratios help a tad with cruising fuel economy, an important subject these days, we're told. The AWD system is a redeployment of the previous EVO's system, which, for some of us, is actually a good thing, its fewer bells and whistles being a welcome addition of simplicity.

On the Malibu back roads, the Ralliart doesn't feel like it's rolling on four gummy erasers, but it isn't as darty as the EVO, either. Trust me, though -- it's plenty nimble and offers ride firmness you could probably endure for 500 miles rather than the EVO's death-by-a-billion vibrations experience. It comes across as the happier car of the two, with a noticeably better automotive disposition. No dark, brooding psychological demons bubbling below the surface. The EVO always strikes me as car about an inch away from snapping and trying to run you over.

The Ralliart's appearance is pleasantly less menacing as well. The face doesn't look quite as mouth-agape-rocket-sled-guy. The tail treatment is re-twiddle, too, with red-surround rear lamps instead of the EVO's black. The rear wing won't draw the FAA's attention. And in the rearview mirror you just might find a satisfied Goldilocks sitting behind the wheel of a Lancer variant that's neither too hot nor too cold. In other words, maybe just right -- assuming you've finally decided it's time to ditch the Vans.

One explanation for the fuel economy is that the AWD system sucks more fuel than a typical RWD or FWD setup. Also, having a turbo probably doesn't help, and neither does the quite heavy curb weight.All in all, a nice looking car with decent performance (only slightly worse than the WRX), but maybe a bit overpriced.

For $27k+ that does seem like alot. But it is lighter than the evo X and is basically a watered down evo 9. I think for the market they are advertising it for I think it will do well if they advertise it well. It has competition but most of that is FWD. I mean honestly a few suspension mods and tuning this car will be quite a bit faster and handle better. Granted the lack of the manual does kinda suck, it does have a highly rated paddle shift tranny. The wrx may be cheaper but that is also before options, accesories, etc. Plus this Lancer looks better in my opinion and not everyone has one. I live in MN so this would be a great all around car, especially with the AWD in MN winters. Give it a chance I bet this car will suprise quite a few.

If this Ralliart price at 25k, I'm sure they will capture many buyers who are thinking of buying the Suburu WRX. At 27k or above, it becomes too much and will turn many buyers away for sure. I hope Mitsubisi will make the right decision and price it at 25k or even better add in some rebates.

Who cares, I'm just getting a Evo X GSR for just a few more k, I was gonna get the ralliart but then you have to upgrade the rubber and wheels, that at least 1k-2k, then your gonna add another 1-2k for that exra 100 hp, and you still dont get that awd from the evo x or the wide body, or brembo etc etc.... might as well do it all at once and get a evo gsr. Like I said before thats what I'm gonna do. If it were priced a few thousand lower like 24 or 25k then I would go for the ralliart but as far right now getting the evo x.

Guys, relax. I wouldn't get too worked up over a First Drive, I would wait to pass judgement until an actual road test and final numbers come in. I mean, two complaints are cost and 0-60, which are clearly listed as estimated. I just learned of this version of the Lancer today and have read many articles from various sources, with (guesstimated) prices from $25k up to $29k, and highway fuel economy as high as 29 mpg. 6 seconds does seem to be the common estimate for 0-60 though. But let's wait for a full test and hard numbers from Mitsubishi before dismissing it already. As far as looks - it kills the Mazdaspeed 3, sorry.

WELL IN MY OPINION YES IT'S OVERPRICE,BUT IS ONE OF THE BEST LOOKING CARS ON THE MARKET AND IF U WANT A GOOD NAV SYSTEM WITH MUSIC SERVER,SMART KEY AND XENON HEADLIGHTS. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MAZDA 3 AND THE LANCER IS THAT MAZDA OFFER LED TAILGHTS.AND BY THE WAY THE ROCKFORD FOSGATE AUDIO SYSTEM IS AWESOME.THE NAV SYSTEM ON THE MAZDA 3,COROLLA AND CIVIC DONT GIVE U MUSIC SERVER.AND ONLY THE MAZDA 3 AND LANCER GIVE U AUTOMATIC ON-OFF XEDNON HEADLIGHTS

Before I go to bed, I want to say..this car ruined my day. so much for being in the 25k range. this car will NOT go for under 28 or 29 when it hits dealers. I kno that for sure. out the door for a nicely equipped one your looking at 29-32 before tax and lisencing! im sorry they killed it with the hprice! bad decision mitsu, i really wanted this car.

I can see why the Ralliart is so expensive. It has the AWD system right out of the Evo 9, and we all know how good that thing is. So I think that 235hp with a 0.98g skidpad is going to be pretty insane!Much rather have that then the Mustang. Rather put my money towards performance when all I need is a larger turbo and intercooler then having to deal with suspension off a live axle. I think that if I had $30k, and was wanting performance, as long as this vehicle gets 0.96g I would get it over anything else. It would have the best handling for anything in the price range, and all I have to do is get a turbo and intercooler. Then call it all good!!! Won't have to mess with anything else at all, plus it is also lighter then the EvoX. Still needs to be cheaper.

I had big hopes for this car. I have been waiting for more details as it is on my list of cars to buy. At 25K and a Mitsu WRX it looked like a winner. At 27K plus is starts to become a hard sell. I by far rather have RWD or AWD in a hatch or sedan but the choices either suck or cost to much now. The Evo has become a joke for the price it sells at now. The Evo's stupid price shouldn't mean this car should be overpriced as well.

yeah it looks better in my opinion than a mazdaspeed 3 and id rather have this for sure if it were the same price, but come on platf1, for the price? if you want the sun and sound package with a moon roof, your going to be paying in the 30's? for a mitsu 4 banger? thats way over priced, and your mpg is crap. I have a v8 truck that can do 22 on highway. and thats like twice the weight!

I have a 08 GTS and I'm thinking of trading it in for something more expensive and a little faster, well i was looking forward to this ralliart but for 27500? cmon, loaded its going to be over 30! thats not even with leather seats, power seats etc, its ridiculous! Id rather get myself the new 08 merc C class that starts at 32. Mitsu has the new lancer well priced, but the evo and now this cmon, its ridiculous. This just shot down my hopes for getting this car.

Quite a number of dissenters.Although I'll admit the MPG is an issue, this looks many times better than the dull WRX (or the ugly predecessor), and you won't get insane torque-steer like with the Mazdaspeed 3.Make mine in black.

I'm sorry, but I agree with most of you over the price, fuel economy, etc., but this car does look far better than a Mazdaspeed3 atvman.... and the hatchbacks from Subaru and Volkswagon....I'm sorry I'm from the 93 thru 98 generation of sports cars, you know supra, 3000 vr4, z twin turbo, rx7, a time when cars looked good and went fast, not these ugly four door cars and stubby hatchbacks, I laugh at all these ugly but fast cars.

I think this car is a joke. It is only going to sell to boy racers who don't know anything, much like the Civic Si. Who would buy this car when you can have a Mazdaspeed3 for cheaper? Not only will the Mazdaspeed3 outperform this car, but it looks better, has a nicer interior, and gets better MPGs.

The AWD isn't much of an excuse. The WRX has AWD and a bigger (by half a liter) engine, yet yields more mileage and performance. Not to mention gives the choice of manual trans or an auto (albeit not as high tech as the Mitsu) for less coin, as well as the choice of sedan or 5-door hatch body. Decisions decisions...

Wow....this looks exactly like the GTS......with AWD.why is it so expensive? it's a mitsubishi, not a honda/acura.poor fuel econ. WOW....i dont know who will but this GTS with a AWD. although it does have a new engine, one of the best automatics, and AWD. But i rather get a VW GTI with that money. But it does have more more power and suspension...hnmmmmm this is a hard one. no joke.

The Ralliart-is a interesting package. 17/25 MPG is what I'll expect from AWD system(heavy ), Excuse me Super AWD system. A manual tranny would be excellent, however popular trend, convenience and performance has shifted from manual to paddle shift. MPG for the WRX is worse. The only negative about this package is; soft suspension + Super AWD =Mediocre performance. Solution: Stiffer suspension!

I'd sooner take the Cobalt or HHR SS, MazdaSpeed 3, WRX (even if it's turned into a red-light district employee-- hand me an STI instead), or even the Caliber SRT4. This car is a plug, just like the Cayman is for the Boxster and 911. It's not my fault the Evo has gotten so expensive.

The only reason to get this car is if you're all about awd. The Cobalt SS is faster, gets better gas milage, and costs thousands less. If you want to spend just a little more, there are several muscle cars that handle better and get about the same gas milage out of a V8!

Wow, is $27k going to be right? WRX is less than $25k. Much rather have that bad boy now. Lighter, just as tunable, hatch, cheaper, 20/25 economy. Ralliart seems like a failure in pricing and economy.Also, the Ralliart is now up against the 350Z, GT, G8, R/T, Camaro, Challenger, ect. ect instead of competing directly against the WRX, MS6, SS, ect. ect.The Evo gets 17/22 economy. I don't understand why the WRX has such poor economy. Must be because it is a World Engine, and no where can you find good economy out of them.